Joyce Ann (Dittberner) Johnson was born May 18, 1933, near the Dittberner farm in Carson County, Texas. She lived a long, fulfilling life until she passed away on May 14, 2026.

Joyce's passing was preceded by the passing of her mother and father, Mary Nancy (Ramey) and Herman Carl Dittberner, siblings: Alberta Dittberner Anderson, Edward Dittberner and Walter Dittberner and loving husband, James Robert Johnson (2016) to whom she was married for over 60 years.

Her remaining family includes son, J. Kelly Johnson, daughter, Karla Jean Peterson Cartmell, son-in-law, Mitchel Cartmell, two granddaughters and their spouses: Lauren Ashley (Peterson) Cook, Robert Fasson Cook, Anne Katherine (Peterson) Aquino, Steven Carmine Aquino, grandson Reid Mitchell Cartmell and his wife, Shelby McCarty Cartmell and three great-grandchildren: Zoe Jean Cook, Naomi Fassen Cook and Milo Reid Cartmell.

Joyce graduated from Panhandle High School with the class of 1950 and attended Colorado Women's College in Denver for a year, then returned home and worked as a secretary for Cabot Carbon in Pampa, TX.

Joyce married Jim Johnson in White Deer, Texas in 1955. After Jim returned from military service in occupied Germany, they met through friends and began a courtship. Jim was "endorsed" by Joyce's brother, Walter, and brother-in-law, Jack Anderson. They started their family in Lubbock, Texas while Jim completed his degree in Geology at Texas Tech University. His telecommunications career took them from Lubbock to Amarillo, Dallas, Overland Park, KS, Barrington, IL and back to Dallas. They retired to Keowee Key, SC with several dear friends with whom they socialized, played golf and enjoyed boating in the shadows of the Smokey mountains.

Joyce was always Jim's right-hand partner, entertaining clients, typing his memos and expense reports, etc. in his in-home office when "working remote" was an unknown concept. Joyce also enjoyed a late career as a salesperson and buyer for a jewelry store in Palatine, IL in their fine gift gallery. Her love of beautiful china, crystal and striking table settings set the standard for family gatherings which were enhanced by her amazing cooking and baking skills. Wonderful comfort food with a bit of gourmet quality and a fine wine selected by Jim was often found on their table. Joyce was an accomplished cook, baker and made what might have been the world's best peanut brittle!

Joyce and Jim traveled mostly to see family but also enjoyed unique opportunities to entertain clients (who were also dear friends) while island hopping on a sailboat in the Ábaco Bahama Islands, or at large national conferences. In addition, they enjoyed travel to see friends across the U.S. and found time for special vacations to Hawaii, the United Kingdom and Germany.

When Jim's memory lapses became difficult, they made the wise decision to return to Dallas where they found the CC Young Retirement Community to be the perfect home. Dad was well-loved and cared for as he transitioned in his illness. Mom felt tremendous support from the CC Young family as well as her dear friends across the campus. She never failed to attribute her happiness over the past twelve years to the wonderful, caring environment at CC Young.

Joyce led her entire life quietly putting Jesus first. She had caring, loving, giving qualities beyond most. Always ready to listen, empathize and only make the slightest suggestions to her friends and family which, of course, made her the best Mom, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother (Grandma Joy) ever! Her faith was unyielding and she always kept a long prayer list up to her passing. We know she is now a bright light in heaven with her beloved Christ and all who preceded her. Joyous reunions, no doubt.

A Celebration of Life will be held at CC Young Retirement Community at The Point on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CC Young. The following are links to their website and a map of the campus:

https://www.ccyoung.org/donate-now/

https://www.ccyoung.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CCYCampusMap_Dec2019_1487.pdf

Deliveries for the memorial may be sent to The Overlook located at 4833 W. Lawther Drive, Dallas, TX 75214.